Live Active Sport in partnership with sportscotland and the Gannochy Trust founded The Sport for Change Network in Perth City.
The Sport for Change Network is part of the national sportscotland Community Sport Hubs (CSH) programme that brings sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland. Nine clubs were invited to come together and develop projects with a focus on improving mental health.
One of the clubs benefitting from the Sport for Change Network is Perth Parrots Floorball Club.
One of the actions of network clubs is to sign up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport, through the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) which demonstrates the commitment to improving equality and reducing discrimination for anyone with a mental health problem.
Gemma Simpson (she/her), Sport Development Officer for Live Active Leisure, said: “We invited Perth Parrots as one of our founding member clubs in the Sport for Change Network as we were aware that people from the LGBTIQ+ community have a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and social isolation.”
Frazer Robertson (he/him), Founder and President of The Perth Parrots said: “The Sport for Change Network has been a really good opportunity because visibility is incredibly important for our community.
"We use opportunities that the Sport for Change Network provides as a platform to highlight the fantastic things that we are doing as a club.”
Gemma added: “At our Sport for Change Network meet ups it’s been beneficial to hear from The Parrots about their projects and successes, as sharing and learning can help other clubs to think about how they can be more inclusive, and ultimately welcoming to more people”.
“We are pleased that the Sport for Change Network concept has been so well supported by sportscotland. They’ve been really interested and excited about our ideas and have given us the opportunity to present our work to other community sport hub officers from across Scotland.”
Flying the flag for LGBTIQ+
The Perth Parrots are the only LGBTIQ+ floorball team in the UK and pride themselves on offering a safe and welcoming space for the community and its allies, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The club is open to all abilities aged 18+, holding regular training sessions, league events and social activities.
Team Coach and the clubs Top Goal Scorer, Rhuaraidh Fleming (he/him), said: “The diverse range of people at the club and the opportunities provided are unique.
"It’s a weekly opportunity to get together, get active and through coaching I’ve been able to help people learn and improve.”
Atlas Martin (he/him) is the Club Secretary and captain of the league squad. He has played sports for most of his life, however, after the pandemic and early on in his transition he felt there wasn’t going to be a club environment he would feel comfortable in, so he’d resigned to being without a regular team sport.
Atlas said: “I came back to floorball sessions after covid restrictions and haven’t stopped since because it is everything I love about team sport. It fills the gap that football left, and I wouldn’t change it. I couldn’t go without it now.”
“Everybody gets mental health benefits from sport, and I feel with team sports it’s the social aspect and improving together that is massively beneficial to mental and physical health. Floorball is a lot of exercise, it’s been massive for me personally and a lot of others in the club.”
He added:
“At the Parrots you are safe, we want you here and we want you playing because you get to play sports too.
"The welcoming inclusivity of the club makes me feel so safe. Everybody at this club has my back which is feels really good.”
An inclusive club and culture
The club’s weekly floorball sessions have had a profound impact on participants in the local area.
Claire Mackenzie (she/her), Club Social Secretary said: “People might not have thought they were sporty because they haven’t had the opportunity to be sporty but they’ve come along to The Parrots and found a community and a home here.”
Claire added: “At The Parrots the first session is free, and we provide equipment. We’re trying to break down those barriers to allow people to try new things and see if it brings them joy.”
Rebecca May (she/they) Committee member said: “Being part of The Parrots and playing in a mixed gender team is super important to me because I truly feel at home and I can flourish in this sport. I can just be Rebecca and that’s all that matters.”
More than a club
In recent years The Parrots has extended its offering with physical and social opportunities, including fitness sessions, community Ceilidhs, hill walks, along with representation for TEAM Scotland (coordinated by LEAP Sports Scotland) at international LGBTIQ+ multi-sports events, such as EuroGames.
Atlas said: “Parrots socials has been a huge addition and organically grew out of a sporting opportunity for LGBTIQ+ people and allies in Perth. It’s been a valuable offering because there are lots of people who sports aren’t their thing, but they come along to the socials, like BBQs, swimming, kayaking, cinema trips and more.”
Rebecca said: “Being part of The Parrots helps me exercise regularly which brings an extra quality of life. It motivates me to get active and the friendships I have found at the club have really helped me find a true home in Perth.”
